2014 (16)

Borders Children in the Swim with new Top Up Initiative

The scheme, funded by Scottish Swimming and sportscotland and run by Borders Sport and Leisure, enables the pupils of schools in less wealthy areas and situated within walking distance of a swimming pool to enjoy eight weeks of free swimming sessions as part of the school curriculum. The children from Eyemouth Primary School, Phiiphaugh Primary School (Selkirk) and Burnfoot Primary School (Hawick) will have their swimming lessons at Eyemouth Leisure Centre, Selkirk Leisure Centre and Tevtiodale Leisure Centre during late September and November.

Lesley Kennedy, Borders Sport and Leisure Swimming Development Officer said: “The Swimming Top Up (STU) has been established to support the improved delivery of swimming lessons for primary school children across Scotland. Pupils from schools that are near to swimming pools and fall into the SIMD (Scotland’s Index of Multiple Deprivation) areas will be able to enjoy swimming lessons free of charge. Swimming is a life skill and this programme helps us to support youngsters in SIMD areas who may not always get the opportunity to go to the pool.”

Ewan Jackson, Chief Executive of Borders Sport and Leisure added: “We are always keen to capitalise upon country–wide initiatives that will help enable more people in our region to enjoy sport and activity. The STU programme offers us the chance to bring primary pupils into the leisure facilities in our care and provide them with the skills they need to learn to swim or improve their abilities in the pool. I am sure many of us have fond memories of going swimming with the school and our staff will be working hard to ensure all the children involved find their swimming blocks both an enjoyable and rewarding experience.”